MassDOT nears completion of Add-a-Lane project between Randolph and Westwood

Traffic patterns to change starting Wednesday, Nov. 14; use of breakdown lanes to be discontinued in new sections

BOSTON (Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012) – Beginning at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, construction crews will begin to open portions of the newly constructed fourth travel lane on the section of interstate roadway between Randolph and Westwood.

The project limits begin in Randolph on I-93 at the interchange with Route 24 (Exit 4). From there, the project extends west toward Canton Junction, where I-93 ends, and the roadway becomes I-95 (Route 128). Lastly, the project continues along I-95 (Route 128) to Route 109 (Exit 16) in Westwood.

“This was a tremendous undertaking that is nearing the finish line,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. “We fully realize the important role transportation improvements can have on continued economic growth, and we expect the addition of the fourth travel lane to better handle the roadway’s volumes as well as have a positive impact on the region’s economy.”

Highway Administrator Frank DePaola said MassDOT’s said the roadway widening would make the roadway safer.

“Specifically, travel in the breakdown lane during peak travel hours will be discontinued in the new sections we are opening up,” Administrator DePaola said. “This means that the shoulder will only be used by emergency vehicles; and, more importantly, drivers will also not have to contend with one another when the hours allowing use of the breakdown lane end.”

The opening of the new travel lane is scheduled to occur as follows:

The section of I-93 North between I-95 (Exit 1) in Canton and Route 24 (Exit 4) in Randolph will open at 5:00 AM on Wednesday, November 14.

The section of I-95 South between University Avenue (Exit 13) and I-93 North (Exit 12) in Canton will open at 5:00 AM on Thursday, November 15.

The section of I-95 South between a point just south of Route 109 (Exit 16) and University Avenue (Exit 13) will open at 5:00 AM on Friday, November 16th.

The above schedule is dependent on weather and could change in the event that the forecast changes.

In conjunction with the opening of the new fourth travel lane in each of the above segments, the authorized use of the breakdown lane for travel during weekday peak commuting periods will concurrently be discontinued within those segments.

Drivers should use extreme caution and pay particular attention to posted warning and regulatory signs when travelling within the above segments.

The opening of the fourth travel lane in the opposing direction within these same limits will begin to occur shortly after Thanksgiving.

The work is part of a $53.7 million project to widen a five and half mile section of Route I-93/Route I-95/Route 128 between Randolph and Westwood.

The job began in the summer of 2008 with final paving in early spring 2013. The contractor for the job is McCourt Construction Co., Inc.

For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot, blog: www.mass.gov/blog/transportation, or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot and Facebook at www.facebook.com/massdotinfo.